Labour frontbencher clarifies new referendum call

A Labour frontbencher has been forced to issue a clarification after appearing to call for a referendum on the final Brexit deal.

Preet Gill, a shadow international development minister, said she “agreed that a people’s vote” on the terms was “an absolute must”.

She was responding to a call to support the campaign For our Future’s Sake (FFS).

Image:Jeremy Corbyn’s office refused to comment

The group announced on Sunday it had the backing of 120 elected student leaders representing nearly one million students for a “people’s vote” on the final Brexit deal.

MPs will get a “meaningful vote” in the Commons on Prime Minister Theresa May’s negotiated terms for quitting the EU.

But neither the Conservatives nor Labour back carrying out a nationwide poll.

Ms Gill tweeted in response to an inquiry on Monday: “Great to see the student voice coming out and speaking up!! @Guild_President I hear you and agree that a people’s vote on the deal is an absolute must.”

Image:Preet Gill tweeted that a ‘people’s vote on the deal is an absolute must’

She later deleted the post and wrote: “Just to clarify my position – a meaningful vote on the deal by Parliament is a must which will be informed by the people we represent.”

A spokesperson for FFS said they were “disappointed” at the “culture of fear within the Labour”.

“Even though the overwhelming majority of Labour supporters and young people support a people’s vote on the terms of the deal, Preet Gill and other Labour MPs are having to hide their true opinions,” they said.

Mr Corbyn’s office refused to comment on the frontbencher’s position but highlighted her clarification.